My name is Ken Nagakui. This is an introduction about what I am doing in the wood near Charlottesville where my wood kiln sits. Although my main interest has been in painting, once I learned pottery, I wanted to do something about it. It was as if some sleeping Jomon (Japan's prehistoric earthenware and its culture) spirit somehow activated in me. My work is handbuilt and wood-fired.
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Tuesday, May 23, 2006

My latest firing was on May 20. I know I am harming the surrounding nature by making a fire in the middle of the forest. Millions of young leaves are converting CO2 into oxygen. And here I am converting these oxygen into CO2 again. My excuse is that I'm using very efficient type of kiln, and activity itself is the way I can express my appreciation what nature gives us. Nature might be scowling at me while I am firing, but probably forgiving me after all because I use only half a cord of wood at a time and more than 50% of them are just fallen dead branches. These are from my latest firing (May 20). Larger bowls are about 12" dia.